Guy Lapierre

I Am Just A Dog Trainer

April 26, 2017 By Guy Lapierre Leave a Comment

I Am Just a Dog Trainer

I often get asked what type of dog trainer I am. What style of dog training do I use. What are my methods. Am I a positive only trainer, force free trainer, compulsion based trainer, escape and avoidance based trainer, old school trainer, balanced trainer, etc. The truth is, I’m not any one of those.

Unleash Your Dog's Potential — Unleash Your Dog’s Potential

I have a very open mind when it comes to dog training and nothing is really off the table for me to consider. I never completely dismiss something unless I’ve come to a conclusion based on my own experience with it. For people who like to label training, they would most likely label me as a balanced trainer and I would respectfully disagree.

I’m not a fan of labels as I don’t think any of them accurately describe me or any dog trainers that I have seen. I’m not a balanced trainer because I do not use an equal amount of anything in my training and that is why I believe the label is not fitting for me. It just isn’t the right word that describes me and I have not found one yet that does. There are many holes in those labels and I routinely see contradictions. Like the force free trainer that has a head halter, no pull harness, slip lead, or martingale on their dog. Like the positive only trainer that withholds food for mistakes or non compliance. Like the compulsion based trainer who praises his dog. Like the balanced trainer who refuses to use food reward in training. There are many examples and far too many to list here.

I use a ton of food reward in training. I’m also a big fan of toy reward once the dog is ready for that state of mind. My tools of choice are slips, prongs, haltis, e-collars, long lines, and flat collars. Hell, I even use retractable leashes in some circumstances. I believe in clear communication through a verbal marker system or a clicker. I believe that there is always an element of consequence in the learning process but that does not equate to abuse. And most importantly, I believe whatever consequence that is used in training must be taught first and the dog must without a doubt understand what they are being asked for before applying it. They must also have a clear understanding of what is in it for them when they make the desired decision.

I don’t judge training based on the process or the tools used. Show me the consistent end results for a variety of dogs with a variety of issues. Show me the happy well adjusted dogs in the end and I will want to know more of how you got them there – without any judgement – eager to learn and expand my skill set.

I don’t believe my training style or philosophy puts me in any one training camp or stereotyped label. Quite frankly, I don’t want to be and I wish they didn’t exist in the first place.

I am just a dog trainer.

Guy Lapierre
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
CPDT-UPK9

Please contact me to book your free assessment and consultation by clicking here.

I am a member of the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) and I adhere to their code of ethics.

The INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CANINE PROFESSIONALS is dedicated to the education, development and support of dog training professional world-wide. The IACP provides a community where experienced dog trainers mentor, guide and cultivate members to their full potential. Our commitment to the highest quality training increases our members’ skills and abilities, develops professional recognition and improves communication on training best practices. We support our members’ rights to properly use and promote effective, humane training tools and methods to create success for each dog and owner, while expanding the understanding and cooperation among canine professionals and dog owners across the full spectrum of the canine industry.

“As seen on TV” Dog Obedience and Socialization UPK9 Halifax

January 17, 2017 By Guy Lapierre Leave a Comment

I was on CTV Morning Live today discussing dog obedience and dog socialization. Guy Lapierre Unleashed Potential dog training Halifax You can see the segment here:

Click the picture for the video to play

There are two points I want to expand on:

Quality obedience is often over looked or people have a good enough attitude – especially if their dog is not a problem dog. Unfortunately, that will spell trouble at some time in the future. There are times in our society where a dog needs to listen and it really isn’t optional. Unless you instill and continue to practice obedience to that level it will never happen in the real world when you need it most. Going to the vet, walking down the street, people coming over to your house, listening in the presence of an unruly dog, around children, the list goes on and on. If your dog can’t perform consistently without distraction then you will set them up to fail when distraction is present. You can’t fault the dog for that, because you haven’t taught them how.
Socialization is a key component to your dog being able to function in society. It isn’t limited to other dogs. You need to socialize your dog to our human world. You need to be careful when it comes to socializing with other dogs and I suggest you form clubs so your dog can socialize regularly among known friends. I would recommend you avoid socialization with strange dogs and I would teach dogs to ignore strange dogs unless instructed that they may interact – bringing new dogs into their circle of friends. Too many things can go wrong when you don’t know the person or dog you are trying to socialize with. It has the potential to go wrong and impress issues on your dog going forward.

Unleashed Potential specializes in both of these and it is an integral part of our core program. We can help you with obedience and our group classes provide you with a lifelong opportunity to socialize with known dogs and people. Contact us today to find our more.

Click HERE To contact me ( Guy Lapierre) in Halifax

Click HERE to find a trainer in your area. We have many locations in Canada and USA

Does Training Create a “Robot Dog”?

September 18, 2016 By Guy Lapierre Leave a Comment

“I don’t need my dogs to be robots.”

This is something I’ve heard several times as a trainer and I’ve had to explain to prospective clients that what you see on the surface may not be what you think. You can’t judge a book by its cover – so to speak.

As a trainer, I often post video of my dogs and show them doing obedience drills that would make people think the dog is robotic like in their movements. I understand that is not what a typical dog owner strives for. They just want a well behaved dog that they can take places and trust on and off leash.

So why do I integrate obedience so tightly into my programs? Why do I think it is so important when all I’m trying to do is modify a dog’s behaviour for things like aggression, anxiety, reactivity, guarding, fear, insecurity, pulling on leash, barking, jumping, rushing the door, etc.?

The Short Answer

The short answer is that in almost all cases I am faced with a dog that doesn’t listen very well to their owners. I’m not trying to develop a robotic dog, or even a competitive dog, for most of my clients. I’m having a dog rehearse their listening skills and developing a better relationship that is full of engagement with their owners. If I can’t get that outside of the context of their problem behaviours, I will certainly have no chance in getting it when they are.

The Long Answer

Everything I do with a dog I perceive as having a conversation with them. That is why I first condition them to a communication system. In my case I use a marker system that allows me to instantly communicate to the dog that they are doing something right or wrong. They are also instantly aware if they are expected to hold the behaviour or are being released from it.

While conditioning a dog to markers, I make it fun, build drive, and development engagement between the dog and handler. I want the dog to want to work for the handler and perceive it as a fun activity to engage in. While this develops and they learn their makers there is a conversation going on between the handler and the dog. The dog is constantly being asked to do something, the dog is responding, the handler is marking and rewarding or letting them know when they are incorrect and encouraging them to get it right. The dog becomes engaged in the process and understands the conversation completely.

Once we have an engaged dog then we begin to teach the dog obedience that is practical. Yes, some of those coincide with competitive obedience skills but some do not. They are practical in a sense that they allow me to continue have my conversation with the dog. When changing behaviours, I use obedience commands that are incompatible with the problem behaviour. So my conversation is not about the undesired behaviour itself but about the obedience being asked for in the presence of the triggers that cause the undesired behaviour. For instance, if a dog is sitting it can’t be jumping. If a dog is heeling, it can’t be pulling or lunging. So my conversation with the dog could not be any clearer and when done right it allows me to desensitize, or block, or redirect, or build confidence; whatever that particular dog may need while continuing to establishing trust and strengthening a bond between the dog and handler. I’m asking them to do something they’ve learned to enjoy and that they’ve rehearse hundreds of times. I’m asking them to do something they absolutely understand how to do, what the outcome is for doing it and what the consequence is for not. This has all been taught through hundreds of dress rehearsals. They know it to the point that you would believe they are a robot. Just like the golfer who takes thousands of swings to perfect it but when the round is over, they are just normal people – they just happen to be very good at something. The dogs I train are the same in the end. They get to be normal, balanced dogs after they overcome their behaviour issues – they just happen to be very good at obedience. And like the athlete who puts all the work in for the love of the game, so does the dog.

Do you have any dog problems? Do you want help? No matter the size, sex, age or breed We Can Help!

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Feeding Time is Training Time – Step One

January 24, 2016 By Guy Lapierre Leave a Comment

This is how my puppy, River, eats every piece of food she gets. Feeding time is training time. My dogs work for a living. This provides some of the mental stimulation they need and when combined with physical exercise most of the behaviour problems we see simply go away or are severely diminished.

This is how I instruct all of my clients in the program to go about it. Some do and some don’t and it is very easy to spot the difference in the dogs as a result. It isn’t that you can’t get results when not doing this but the results are just better when you do. This puppy is twelve weeks old and has been with us for only three weeks. She’s almost fully through the base obedience we train our dogs already. Granted, without distraction but that will come later.

If you have a dog with behaviour problems, this is step one in the process and it has a very big impact. Teach obedience through food reward and make it so it is the only way they are fed. Combine this with the appropriate physical exercise for the breed and you will be well on your way to solving your dog’s problems.

Do you have problems training your dog or dogs? Do you want help? No matter the size, sex, age or breed We Can Help!

Want FREE dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training? GET ACCESS to his Exclusive, FREE Mini video series Click Here!! This mini series is not found on Youtube… Get Access Now… You will love the mini series and its Free!! 🙂

To find a UPK9 Trainer near you or to Book your FREE Demonstration and Consult Click Here

For more information on how you can purchase Dog Training Genesis and become a member CLICK HERE or on the photo of Duke and his dogs.

Learn More About Dog Training Genesis CLICK HERE !

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It’s OK, He’s Friendly

April 21, 2015 By Guy Lapierre Leave a Comment

“It’s okay….he’s friendly!!”

Let’s discuss the importance of Off-Leash Recall. How many times have you heard an owner yelling that out to you from afar as his off leash dog runs towards you full tilt while ignoring all his owners attempts to call him back? Often the dogs name is repeated over and over and over, the word “treat” is thrown in for good measure and there’s a hint of desperation in the tone as their dog gets closer and closer.

If you are walking a dog with on leash reactivity or on leash aggression, you already know what is horribly wrong with this picture. You also probably know full well that at this point, it really doesn’t matter if the dog is friendly or not.

If you are “that guy yelling at your dog as he charges towards me and my on leash dog”, let me explain why this is totally unacceptable. Sure, accidents happen, dogs get out and go for a runabout around the neighbourhood…this isn’t the type of scenario I’m referring to. This isn’t a loose dog that someone is trying to catch,…I’m referring to the person who purposely un-clips that leash and allows their dog off leash when they don’t have reliable recall. I’m sure you’ve seen them at the park, I know I have run into my fair share walking through Point Pleasant. This post also isn’t about where you can legally let your dog off leash,…you are responsible for your dog whether the area is designated off leash or not. This is about being in control of your dog if you allow them off leash. Even in designated off leash areas you must be in control of your dog at all times. It is the law. The off leash areas are not “anything goes” areas (although judging by what I’ve witnessed on different occasions you’d think they were). You should be able to call your dog back to you, and leash them, if necessary. If you can’t, your dog should not be off leash and the reason being is that the on leash dog that your dog is running towards may not react well to an unleashed dog coming into their space.

Dogs have 3 options when approached by another dog…

they can submit (accept the dog in their space and sometimes put up with socially awkward or forced greetings). Not all dogs know how to properly meet other dogs.
they can fight. If a dog feels threatened, they are likely to choose this option. (for dogs that have already had a bad on leash experience with another dog, they may have already developed on-leash reactivity or even on-leash aggression)
or then can flee (i.e. avoidance, run away from the dog that is making them uncomfortable) This is not an option for an on leash dog.

If the dog that your off leash dog is running up to is on leash, they now only have 2 choices on how to handle the situation because the leash prevents the flight option. They can either fight or they can submit. Chances are good that you’ve seen a totally submissive dog before….they’re the dog that drops to the ground and rolls over the second a new dog approaches it. In this situation I really hope that the “friendly dog” really is friendly, because a bad experience can change that submissive dog into a reactive dog in a heartbeat.

For dogs that have already had a bad on leash experience with another dog (i.e. leash reactive/on leash aggressive dogs), this scenario can go terribly wrong. A dog that feels threatened while on leash may not wait to see if the approaching dog is going to hurt them, they may defend themselves right away and lash out. This is when fights happen…. totally unavoidable fights between two dogs that should have never met.
This is why it is so important to establish reliable recall before un-clipping that leash and allowing your dog to run.

We’ll assume for the purpose of this post that only “friendly dogs” are being let off lead (although I know for a fact that it is not always the case).

You should be able to call your dog away from an on leash dog that is walking with it’s owner. If you can’t, your dog shouldn’t be off leash.
If you cannot keep your dog in sight and under control, they should not be off leash. (We’ve encountered many “ownerless” dogs in the park).
If you cannot keep track of your dog because you are deep in conversation, (either on or off the phone), your dog shouldn’t be off leash.

This all applies to dogs running up to people without dogs as well. A lot of people enjoy walking in public parks, but that doesn’t mean that they have to put up with being accosted by off leash dogs jumping all over them. This may be common place in actual dog parks, but parks with off leash areas are not “dog parks”, they are for everyone’s enjoyment. It boils down to being respectful of other people and other dogs and doing your part to ensure that your dog and the other dogs you may encounter can be safely exercised whether they are on leash or off leash.

Please….be a responsible dog owner, because even a “friendly dog” can get himself into trouble.

If you want complete off leash control with your dog, including reliable recall, contact me today to discuss your training options.

Guy Lapierre

Unleashed Potential Halifax

Do you have problems training your dog or dogs? Do you want help? No matter the size, sex, age or breed We Can Help!

To find a Unleashed Potential Trainer near you or to Book your FREE Demonstration and Consult Click Here

For more information on how you can purchase Dog Training Genesis and become a member CLICK HERE or on the photo of Duke and his dogs.

Learn More About Dog Training Genesis CLICK HERE !

Follow us on FACEBOOK and subscribe to us on YouTube

Guy Lapierre

I Am Just a Dog Trainer

The Short Answer

The Long Answer

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